Stability Law, criticism on constraints from Brussels. Letta: “Sacrifices are acceptable if there is a way out”

In Rome factions against the EU directives, the President of the Council asks Europe for a more balanced approach between economic and social policy and the introduction of a “social scoreboard.” Vice Minister Fassina:  “The economic level of the Eurozone is unsustainable”

While the process of approval of the stability law begins in the Senate, Europe and the tight budgetary constraints imposed by Brussels remain at the center of political discussion. The European Commission is ready to examine the law to verify that all parameters were met. But criticism and warnings continue to rain down regarding the inflexibility. Speaking to this is the Prime Minister himself, Enrico Letta, who speaking to the House yesterday in view of the European Summit this week makes it clear: “Sacrifices are acceptable if there is a reward after, if there is a way out. Greater responsibility must also mean greater solidarity.” The government needs a “more balanced approach between economic and social policy.” Letta’s objective is to introduce a new ‘social scoreboard’ and i.e. “new consideration of social dynamics” in the recommendations that Brussels sets towards all member states.

But the harshest criticism on Europe came from the Vice Minister of Economy, Stefano Fassina: “The keys to jump-start the economy are in Brussels. The real game is played there and that’s where we must fight for a radical change in the direction of economic policy” he said. One problem he made know was also having discussed with the same Prime Minister: “I have raised the issue of an unsustainable economic line in the Eurozone and I found the PM willing to face it.”

Former Prime Minister, Mario Monti, also asked to return to discuss not only penalty but also growth. “Let’s not forget that in addition to stability it is a law for growth” he said speaking at the opening ceremony for the academic year at Bocconi. “Europe – proceeded Monti – has concentrated so much on the pact of stability and growth but with more emphasis on the first issue.” Italy, after having “gotten in order better than other southern countries, France included” should now “ask for more growth.” Even according to the People of Liberty, our country should return to be heard in Brussels: “Italy doesn’t know how to make itself respected in Europe” complains the former Minister of Economic Development, Paolo Romani. Even at that, he suggests instead, “a multi-party government would be necessary. An example to follow?” he suggests “Germany.”

Even Iter in Italy meanwhile promises to be full of obstacles with unions that have already announced they are ready to proclaim a 4 hour national strike against a law that condemns the country to stagnation without growth. Criticism towards who opens the Minister of the Interior, Angelino Alfano: “It is not courage we are lacking, it is money” he explains referring to the criticism from employers and trade unions on the stability law. But he assures we can still work on the text: “I feel like saying that like other budgets from the past years to which I participated both in majority and in opposition, this can be improved and also much from the work of Parliament. So if the approach is constructive – the Vice Premier said – it can improve.”

Letizia Pascale